Articles Related to Torsade de Pointes
Lethal Dance with Dialysis – A Case of Silent Long QT Syndrome
Fatal arrhythmia is the leading cause of mortality in chronic haemodialysis patients. Long QT syndrome is responsible for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as Torsade de Pointes. Classically, long QT syndromes were divided into congenital and acquired; however ‘silent’ variants, in which patients remain asymptomatic until exposed to a drug or electrolyte disturbance precipitating the arrhythmia, have now been recognized.
Methadone and Torsade De Pointes in the Therapeutic Range
Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, binds to and occupies mu-opioid receptors, preventing withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours or longer, reduces craving for opioids, and, by maintaining high levels of opioid tolerance, reduces the euphoric effects of subsequent illicit opioid use. As a controlled substance with potential for abuse, methadone use is regulated in the US and other countries.